How to Beat Winter Stagnation

There are several reasons why you might feel more tired and slower in the winter. According to Ayurveda, the qualities found in nature also manifest in our bodies and minds. For example, when the weather is cold outside, you will tend to feel cold. If you pay attention to your body, you’ll notice that you feel different during the various seasons; you might notice you feel more energetic, or conversely, that health issues resurface more in one season than another.

KAPHA DOMINANT

Ayurveda outlines three fundamental energies (i.e., doshas) called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that govern the outer environment and influence one’s physical and mental constitution. In the winter season, Kapha is dominant and is characterized by the following qualities:

• Cool
• Slow
• Heavy
• Stable
• Soft

Kapha may manifest in different ways including but not limited to:

• Low energy
• Low mood
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Slow digestion

SIGNS OF KAPHA EXCESS

Here is a list of questions to help assess your state of vitality during these colder months:

• Lethargy—Do you have difficulty getting out of bed?
• Dullness—Do you feel like watching TV all evening?
• Lack of motivation—Do you make excuses to put off exercise?
• Cold—Do you need to wear several layers?
• Cravings—Do you crave sweet, salty, oily, creamy, or heavy food or lean towards emotional eating?
• Weight gain—Do you put on weight more easily in winter?
• Low mood—Do you feel more down, depressed, or sad in winter?
• Respiratory or sinus issues—Do you tend to have coughs, colds, or sinus infections?

If Kapha isn’t addressed by the start of winter, it can accumulate and lead to more serious health concerns. Think of it as a leaking faucet—one drop can go unnoticed, but once the bucket is full, it overflows and spreads. This same analogy happens in the body as well. When the first signs of imbalance are noticed, you need to act on it before it turns into a more serious health issue. 

5 TIPS FOR BALANCING KAPHA

To restore balance, Kapha management is centred around the qualities of warming, drying, and lightening.

1. Eat a Kapha-Balancing Diet

Avoid foods that are heavy, cold, damp and hard to digest such as deep-fried food, dairy products and cold food from the fridge. Include warm foods that are easier to digest such as soups, broths, and grilled veggies. Flavours that are spicy, bitter, and astringent can help you feel lighter and more energised in winter. Some examples of spices that you can include in your cooking are:

• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Black pepper
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Cloves
• Cinnamon

2. Stay Active

Schedule exercise daily, ideally early in the morning, to move the stagnant quality of Kapha. If you find yourself making excuses to put it off, join an exercise or yoga class that you can commit to, or make a plan to go with a friend. Once you get moving, you’ll feel good, more flexible, and energised. If you can get moving outdoors, you’ll have the added benefit of sunshine to boost your vitamin D levels.

3. Wear Bright Colours

Winter colours like black and grey tend to be dark and heavy. Notice how you feel about the clothing you are wearing. Adding bright colours to your wardrobe can help you feel more invigorated and motivated. If you're hesitant about making a bold change to your wardrobe, try adding a splash of colour with a scarf, a tie, socks, or a hat.

4. Get Motivated

This is a good time of year to start a new project or hobby to help you get motivated; find something that you’re excited about. This is also a great time to plan for the upcoming months and book some appointments. Putting off your appointments with excuses such as “it's too cold” or “I'll wait until spring to detox,” for example, might be adding to your lethargy. If you plan your appointments now, you will feel more committed and motivated to step out.

5. Declutter

You might be putting off cleaning until spring, but winter is a good time to change things up. Try moving furniture around to create more space in your home or give it a fresh look. This helps cut through the dullness you may be experiencing and remove old “baggage” from the past as you start the new year.

Winter can be a beautiful season to enjoy when your body, mind, and spirit are in balance with the environment. Bring awareness to how you feel in winter, and make changes proactively to beat winter stagnation. This will keep you feeling at your best while warding off chronic health issues. By increasing movement, wearing bright colours, making changes to your routine, and adding spices to your food, you’ll feel more energetic and vital this winter.